Having a drink on the grass between Huygens building and the Heyendaalseweg is no longer permitted. That is what umbrella association Olympus writes to the study associations' drinks license holders. A shame, a lot of science students think. 'It seems like the management culture in the faculty is gaining ground. Less and less things are allowed.'

In the summer months, it can get really hot in the North and South cafeteria, the living rooms of the Huygens building where a lot of study drinks are being held. Because of this, it is not weird that students look for fresh air on the grass outside. Students often climbed the window to reach the grass.

That will end soon. Olympus, umbrella association of study associations at the science faculty, has sent an e-mail telling associations that outside drinking is still allowed, but not at the front of the building. All study associations that have a license to organise drinks, received this e-mail this week.

‘Next to the nuisance for the employees, it also gives the faculty a bad appearance,’ Willem Boumans, commissioner faculty matters at Olympus told the associations. The umbrella association did not want to say whether the prohibition comes directly from the faculty board.

Atmosphere

Biology student Maaike Lamers (20) regrets the decision. ‘It’s a shame, it creates a nice atmosphere when you see a group of students sitting outside with a beer. It was always fun.’ Behind the Huygens building, there are enough possibilities to drink outside, but that is a long walk from the cafeteria, especially when you are carrying a crate of beer. On top of that, the door on the side is locked at six o’clock every evening. Lamers: ‘It would have been easier if the cafeteria were where the study landscape is now, you would have been outside quickly.’

There are more students who are unhappy with the news. ‘It seems like the management culture in the faculty is gaining ground. Less and less things are allowed,’ says student Jos Smits (21), also a biology student. ‘The study associations are thriving at the Huygens building. They organise a lot of activities for students. I feel like the faculty board does not always see that and mostly sees the downsides. While the active associations give the university very good look too.’